Harsher Penalties For Misclaiming the Fourth SEISS Grant?
Were you entitled or not?
Posted by Roger Eddowes on 13/05/2021 @ 8:00AM
Now that applications for the fourth Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant are being accepted via the Government Gateway, HMRC has confirmed harsher penalties for abuse of the scheme ...
If you've overclaimed the fourth SEISS grant, accidentally or otherwise, you need to repay HMRC!
An overclaim of SEISS occurs when a grant of any size is awarded, yet the individual was not entitled to receive it or got was more than the amount HMRC said the applicant was entitled to. An overpayment must be notified to HMRC within 90-days.
HMRC are entitled to charge a penalty of up to 100% of the total amount of the SEISS grant that has been overpaid, though as long as overpayments are settled by 31st of January 2022, fines will not be enforced!
HMRC takes into account whether a taxpayer knew they were not entitled to the SEISS grant when deciding upon penalties, as well as if the individual's circumstances have changed because of the pandemic. Their own guide says, "If you knew you were not entitled to your grant and did not tell us, the law treats your failure as deliberate and concealed".
"Which means you'll be in trouble with the taxman!"
As always, let me remind you there are many scams circulating, purporting to be from HMRC, offering to assist you with making an SEISS claim. Only log into the Government Gateway to apply and do not click any links in emails or text messages unless you are absolutely certain they are from HMRC.
Until next time ...
ROGER EDDOWES Business Godparent
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Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.
Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.
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